Separation Anxiety Disorder

It is normal for very young children between the ages of 7 and 15 months old to experience separation anxiety.  Often times kids go through a phase when they are scared nervous of unfamiliar people and places.  Anytime a child has the fear it can be excessive and if it last longer than four weeks the child may have separation anxiety disorder.  Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which a child becomes alarmed or frightened when away from home or separated from a parent or love one. This fear may interfere with the child’s normal activities, such as going to school or playing with other children.

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Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety Disorder

• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the parent or caregiver if the child leaves
• Repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
• Refusal to go to school in order to stay with the caregiver
• Refusal to go to sleep without the caregiver being nearby or to sleep away from home
• Fear of being alone
• Repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation
• Bed wetting
• Repeated temper tantrums or pleading
• Recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated

"Don't forget a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated."

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Helpful Links For Anxiety Disorder

• Separation Anxiety - Describes typical phase of separation anxiety in infants and young children.
  
• Anxiety and Children - Provides an overview of separation anxiety disorder, symptoms and treatment options. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
  
• Separation Anxiety - Offers practical suggestions for parents dealing with separation anxiety disorder, as well as books to read to children.

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